Calculation of the magnitude Star Limit (MALE) in Tegucigalpa

Abstract

The research work consisted in the compilation of the Stellar Limit Magnitude of Tegucigalpa, as well as additional data from Talanga, to obtain a reference for the rural comparison. The magnitude limits for the city of Tegucigalpa from different locations and results of 2.98 (low due to light pollution in the area), 3.56, 3.58 and 3.76. The average of the magnitude observed was 3.53 with a standard deviation of 0.41. The median is 3.56. These results indicate that the Tegucigalpa sky is of fourth magnitude on the Bortle scale. The conditions in Talanga, rural sky, improve up to 4.68, which could be an estimate of fifth magnitude, considered skies of transition between urban and peri-urban. The climatic conditions prevented the creation of a seasonal record, especially during the months of November and January. In March a clear sky is observed, but with smoke conditions due to the burning of forests that surround the city.